Patient Reviews of University Foot and Ankle Institute

Not happy with the office manager at the Sherman Oaks office. She was very difficult on the phone too. She acted as she was running the show regardless of what Dr Baravarian and I had discussed and agreed upon. I almost didnt get my orthotic's because of her power trip as office manager. Very dissatisfied with her behavior and attitude.

After over 3 years of relentless research and visiting over 10 different board-certified orthopedic surgeons, podiatrists, physical therapists, and massage therapists, I contacted Dr. Bob Baravarian (after finding him online and researching some of his publications) as a last resort before either living with the debilitating heel/arch pain I had or going under the knife, the latter suggested by my other doctors. Dr. Baravarian was the only doctor who ever thought that my symptoms might not be the "plantar fasciitis" that other doctors were so eager to diagnose me with. All of these doctors were so sure they even had me fully convinced I had a stubborn case of plantar fasciitis in both feet. Come to find out, after Dr. Baravarian suggested I did not have some of the hallmark symptoms of PF and after not responding to conventional treatment, rest, medication, shockwave therapy, amniotic fluid injections, physical therapy, and the yada, yada, yada other doctors treated me with...that I get an MRI to see what was going on (which the other doctors thought was a waste of time!). I in fact had completely normal plantar fascia in both feet and a wholly different issue...and these other doctors wanted to cut my plantar fascia!!! I was baffled at the incompetence in this array of varied "leading foot doctors" I could find in 3 different cities, including one practice in the medically-renowned Research Triangle Park in North Carolina. Clearly more than crude ultrasound diagnostic imaging need be used in podiatry/orthopedics for cases of long-term recalcitrant heel/arch pain such as I had, and this was something Dr. Baravarian recognized right away. After the MRI results came back that I had an uncommon form of tendonitis (flexor hallicus longus) in both feet, I felt both confused but absolutely relieved at the same time. Dr. Baravarian suggested some things to do and how to take action on my own since we were telecommunicating across the country. His guidance led me to have the most relief in pain I have had in over 3 years of actively trying to get better. The craziest part is I never even saw Dr. Baravarian in person or visited his practice - this was all done over FaceTime and email! As a young active male, this condition has taken a toll on me not only physically, but also financially, career-wise, socially, and often emotionally. Being in constant foot pain is not something people think about, but when you are afflicted with it, it is something that deeply affects and changes your daily life. To finally have some relief is truly a godsend - and I owe it to Dr. Baravarian for his expertise and QUESTIONING of the today's seemingly "standard diagnosing practices" of slapping plantar fasciitis on any patient with foot pain that comes a podiatrist's/orthopedic specialist's way. It has only been a month since I started to get the correct treatment that Dr. Baravarian recommended and I am already markedly improved. Foot pain is nothing a person should have to live with or deal with, and it is possible to get better even if you think all hope is lost or you will have to go under the knife. In my opinion, the "small percent" of patients who don't respond to standard plantar fasciitis treatments, including surgery, are probably also those who were misdiagnosed. Sometimes you have to take your health into your own hands, question things if they don't seem to add up, and spend the time to find the right doctor with the expertise and care to get you the correct treatment. Or you can just contact Dr. Baravarian, who can do all of that for you. I wish I would have 3 years ago and saved myself the money, heartache, and pain.

Visting family in california,I started having some inflamation and a lot of pain in my left ankle. This has been popping up periodically for years . Thinking it was my ankle because of a break many years ago. I lived with tremedous pain and discomfort for years went to many doctors in NYC.
Lucky break ''excuse the pun'' I found DR. Bob. he thought some thing wasen't right with at least my self diagnosis ( and many other doctors) a few Xrays and some poking around later we discovered it was a Nivular bone issue. Who knows what that means ? He took the time to expain it to me and what my obstacles will be in the future. At least now I know and he recomend a fine physician in my neck of the woods I'm very grateful his knowledge and compassion. Great place Great Doctor . Dr Bob Thank You!

Simply terrific and no bs, no upsell, super professional. The doctor's diagnostic skills were awesome and the best part was I did not need surgery, which two other docs insisted I did.Just finished PT and I feel better than I did before my injury. Very happy, highly recommend.

I went to see Dr. Bob Baravarian (probably spelled it wrong) because I was pleased to see his response to a poor review that somebody gave him. I never know if the places or people that you are reviewing actually look at what people say. I liked his response and decided to see Dr. Bob and he gave me his professional opinion I took it and I'm very happy with his professionalism and courtesy I would highly recommend him.

Dr. Franson explained my condition so i could understand, and offered options that I could do to make my feet more comfortable. I didn't have to wait long to see the doctor, so I was able to complete my visit in a short amount of time. The staff was very solicitous and assisted with whatever I needed help with.

The doctor is always wonderful, knows my exact history and takes her time with me. Staff need to be more welcoming, saying hello, introducing themselves by name and what they are going to do. Its important that staff acknowledge the presence of a patient.

The issue with foot is still in progress..so my impression at this point... great office staff, helpful , polite, friendly.. Dr Bob always explains condition very clearly, has a caring and professional manner despite his busy practice.. I have seen him many times for various foot conditions.